November 27, 2008
Posted: November 27th, 2008 09:53 AM ET

From
Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer made Bill Schneider's annual list of political turkeys for 2008.
Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer made Bill Schneider's annual list of political turkeys for 2008.

(CNN) - November 27 may be Turkey Day in America, but in the world of politics, every day is turkey day.

Watch: The top 5 political turkeys of '08

Turkeys are foolish creatures - overstuffed, noisy and self-important. A lot like the politicians on our list of Turkeys of the Year.

Turkey No. 10: Rudy Giuliani puts all his eggs in one basket - Florida.

"We are going to win in Florida, and then we will be talking about exactly who made the right decisions," Giuliani says on CNN's "The Situation Room" a week before the primary.

Giuliani ends up third in Florida, with 15 percent of the vote.

The former New York City mayor was relying on the many former New Yorkers who have moved or retired to Florida. There's just one problem: most of them are Democrats, and Democrats can't vote in Florida's Republican primaries.

Full story

Filed under: Schneider analysis


nan   November 27th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Lee is so right. Sarah Palin is the biggest turkey of all. When you consider all her mistakes, arrogance and ignorance, you wonder perhaps if John McCain is also the biggest turkey of all to have chosen her as his running mate. What was he thinking????? Thank god for Obama!!!!

Ennis, LA   November 27th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

He can run for NY governor. He should have no trouble beating a
blind guy.

Lisa Vilen   November 27th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Not very nice, Paul, saying, "America is the biggest turkey" on Thanksgiving Day.

waxwing069   November 27th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Bush should be considered as the Grand daddy of all turkeys... lol

California Gold   November 27th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

So many are so deserving. After great thought Sarah Palin is clearly at the top. Every time she opens her mouth she cements her ranking.

Tom in Delaware   November 27th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Hey 'REG in AZ', why don't you back up some of those hysterical accusations with some real facts.

BTW- a sociopath is one who is void of any meaningful relationships.

Selflessness is giving birth to a child rather than aborting it because it is viewed by some to be less than perfect.

Find a mirror and locate the problem.

I wonder how Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Dodd, and Schumer missed the list...the whole Fannie and Freddie Meltdown is because of them.

Guess there's always the Christmas Turkey list.

JoePub   November 27th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

"gaggle of goons" :) That's hilarious Paul!

Mike in Ca   November 27th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Number one turkey are all the Obama haters, who mainly are blind followers of right wing empty slogans or just plain racists, or both.

Craeg fr Canada   November 27th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

The entire McCain election campaign was a huge turkey. Quite a few Americans remain confused about who Pres-Elect Obama is and what he stands for. Playing on people's fear with smear was a great disservice to your country.
Inadvertantly, though, it shed light on the amount of racism and ignorance that lies beneath the surface of your great society.

Loretta   November 27th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Hey Paul–
Get past it: Obama is YOUR president too. If turkey's not to your liking, serve yourself up a big crock of crow.

John   November 27th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I am so sick of people bashing Sarah Palin. Go back to your playgrounds and pick on the handicapped or something, and leave Governor Palin alone. Even though the media and mindless minions everywhere have tried to vilifile her, she continues to be popular and is a far greater catalyst for positive change then the liar so many of you elected. Four years from now (actually much earlier than that, I am afraid) the real change we needed will be sought out, and I doubt if she will subject herself to the lies and accusations that the country who needs her so desparately heaped upon her. God bless you Governor Palin. You were a beacon of hope in a dismal election year, and you did not deserve the way that you were treated.

60 year old white female and proud supporter of PE Obama   November 27th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

On the turkey list should be Ed Henry for his questions at PE Obama's press conference yesterday.

Chris F.   November 27th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

@Paul, You are a Moron. Bush is the biggest turkey of all. Someone has to save the economy and it is not going to be free. Stop listening to Rush and Hannity becuase they are liars and morons. Crawl back in your hole and polish your guns..

Jack 64 year old   November 27th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Your Turkey list left off one f the biggest birds of the season – Sarah Palin and most of the republican party that called for continuous deregulation for the past three decades.

Joyce Becker   November 27th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Rudy was certainly one self important turkey, a better one, however is McCain's choice of Sarah Palin, a real nit wit, she became the National Turkey of the Year with her hockey-mom with lipstick personality!!

Texas Trail Kitty   November 27th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

It has been entertaining watching the Republican party, aided by Limbaugh, Hannity ad naseum, self-destruct. Get a clue. America has changed. Either change with it or die. Stop being nasty and thinking you have a lock on ruling America. Conservative ideals are really quite good, but you allowed yourselves to be hijacked by the crazies you call your base. All of America should be your base because you actually owe all of America decent goverance.

MEP   November 27th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

It is unfair to show pictures of the women deceived by the "turkey prize winners" , since they are innocent victims. They do not need to be reminded of their husbands' poor conduct nor made part of it in pictures displayed on Thanksgiving Day. Don't you have any pictures of the individual "turkeys" on their own?

Deven   November 27th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Sarah Palin, wink, wink. Offensive. Who in the audience was she winking to? ....Just who is it that belongs to her secret society?

What is a wink? When do we wink? We wink when we are an insider, we wink to show presence to members of our group within a varied crowd, we wink when we tell lies and want to minimize the offense ....and pornstars wink at the camera.

Yep.

chris of STL   November 27th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

C'mon Bill, .... where is Sarah??? She's probably beneath being a turkey ... an insult to all Turkeys.

G.R.I.T.S - Girl Raised in the South   November 27th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Amen to Reg in AZ.

james   November 27th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

The Obama Seal issue was an issue? Out of all the things that happen this election season, you put the Obama seal part of this group?
How about Clinton saying that she can't see herself losing?
Sarah Palin not knowing what magazines she read?
John McCain "suspending" his campaign to work on the bailout bill?
John McCain having wrapped up the republican nomination for months and did nothing but sit on his you know what?

But you decided to put the Obama seal on here, even though he still won the nomination comfortably. So if Giuliani would have won Florida, would he still be on this list?

Pepou   November 27th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Paul : "the gaggle of goons" will change this country for the best and put racist clowns like you to rest.

TexicoFrom Mexico   November 27th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Sarah Palin is the #1 Turkey in this country! She has been proven to be a bafoon much more so than Quayle was. Anyone that thinks this turkey has a real shot at 2012 is a moron.

Milhouse van Houten   November 27th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Rudy may be a tad disappointed that he didn't score higher but he can
be very satisfied with a top ten finish.

Pepou   November 27th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I think Judas Liebermann is a great contestant for turkey of the year.

vic   November 27th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I dsagree with the Obama one – there are MANY that are much worse.

Jaye   November 27th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

I forgot to add the media for giving so much attention to that joe six-pack, carhart wearing, steel toed boot wearing, lying idiotic Joe The Plumber.
The Main stream media made fools of themselves.

S. Boatman Warrensburg Mo.   November 27th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

The Top Ten Turkeys Should Be The Top Ten Speakers At The Republican National Convention! Mccain, Palin, Mitt, Rudy, Fred, Bush, . . .

Gordon   November 27th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

The number one turkey is anyone whose politics are party related rather than being pragmatic; individuals who actually believe that the most intricate and interrelated problems we face today can be solved by what can be communicaed in a soundbite.

I would add that the person who frightens me the most is Sarah Palin. She is bright enough to recognize an opportunity, but her thinking lacks the depth that is required to run a major nation.

That brings us to the people behind GWBush. For them, it's "what is best for me" without reference to what is best for all of us.

And lest I forget, the speculators in oil who drove up the price and fun terrorism to become more wealthy personally.

Jaye   November 27th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

The political turkey of the year goes to the republican party.
Rudy Guiliani, John McCain, Sara Palin, and every republican that tried to convince us that Sara Palin is experienced enough to be the Vice President or the President.
The republicans slimed and lied and vilified Barack Obama – calling him everything from a communist, a socialist, a friend of terrorist, to the antichrist. They shamed themselves and our country.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone   November 27th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Wonder how many of the repugs will be pardoned as Bush slithers under the door on his way out?

Craig from NC   November 27th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

LOL. I knew somebody would put Sarah in here! Why is she such a pin cushion? To me, she seemed like the most genuine person in the whole mess.

KLEE   November 27th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Strange as it sounds – we need – all the players on the political stage (in this country at least) – if nothing more than to keep balance in this Democracy of ours – Yin and Yang – so to speak – keep your eyes open and your "blood up" – protect and serve – Balance is the key to keep our dreams alive. spread it around & please have a Happy Thanksgiving.

GA TURKEY   November 27th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

TURKEY #5: GOV. SONNY PERDUE

The guy just went sight seeing in EUROPE when there was fuel crisis in GA and we had to pay $8+ for a galon after 8hr que TWO MONTHS AGO.

SAXBY CHAMBLISS is TURKEY # 5.5

Ryan across the river   November 27th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

I'm surprised W was not on the list, I guess lame ducks aren't quite turkeys.

Barbara in NC   November 27th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

I would have put Bush #1 and McCain #2

gobble gobble gobble

TJ Johnson   November 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Only an idiot would want to be president of the US with the nasty attitude of our citizens and the world situation, and that's what we got into the White House, an idiot too dumb to know what he has got himself into and thinks he can handle anything. What a fool!

I don't blame Rudy for pulling back from campaigning for the job.

KJL   November 27th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Wild turkeys are very smart, and would be offended to be lumped in with their inbred domestic relatives.

Now as for politicians, what about Sarah Palin, the ultimate turkey? Her "pardon the turkey" video with turkeys being decapitated in the background was beyond poor taste. The woman herself wouldn't notice if her own head went missing. Until she tried to do her hair.

Ray Fisher   November 27th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

And Sarah Palin isn't considered a political turkey??? I figure anyone who does things as dumb as Palin should be recognized as a turkey even as she photo ops in front of a turkey killer... I wonder if she has a special Turkey Killing outfit from Neiman Marcus???

Andrea/ CA   November 27th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Paul you are an IDIOT. The only thing Pres elect Obama has done is work on getting us out of this mess. SO to me, you are the Turkey.

I wish you guys open your mind, and think before you post this garbage. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Gonzo in Houston   November 27th, 2008 11:58 am ET

I think Hillary should make the list for stretching out the primary race when the outcome was apparent.and her play for the previously-disqualified Florida and Michigan primary votes.

SAB   November 27th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Paul your comment is as stupid as the day is long. No one will come out and say it but Bush was not up to being the President. The job was way beyond him. So the people who voted for him both times are the biggest turkeys.

SAB   November 27th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Paul your comment is as stupid as the day is long. No one will come out and say it but Bush was not up to be President. The job was way beyond him. So the people who voted for him both times are the biggest turkeys.

Alan   November 27th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Paul - America is the biggest turkey with Obama and his gaggle of goons getting set to do some serious carving.

Please try listening to one or two OTHER voices besides Rush Limburger and Sean Hasbeen. You probably supported Sarah Palin. Prepare yourself for a truly wonderful experience - prosperity for ALL, not just for the 1% already prosperous.

The puppet show has ended. Now there are REAL people in charge and the results will indeed amaze you because you'll be surprised how wrong you are.

Soccer Nana   November 27th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Rudy Giuliani needs to learn to "lead" his family before he can even think about leading this Country. He has not been the husband of "one" wife and he needs to reconnect to his children.

Paul, Obama is your PEOTUS whether you like it or not. Just admit your problem with Mr. Obama – it's his COLOR; NOT his agenda.

This Country is diverse and has been for a very, very long time. In the very near future, this Country will have another intelligent, culturally diverse President – hmm, let's see, Native-American, Hispanic, Asian. I cannot wait.

Rob   November 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

There you go REG, I think you have earned yourself the #1spot. That is whats wrong with our Country, Intolerance of others that think differently than ourselves. On a day of thanks, you should truely be ashamed of your actions.

Nicholas, Nigeria   November 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

I think the biggest turkey is the republican party. They need to need to examine their party and know ask what next because they have lose focus.

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   November 27th, 2008 11:43 am ET

looks like a mear community organizer proved you to be the clown that you are....... poor rudy, street creds gone, maybe sarah will appoint you dog catcher in wasilla...........

Getting It Right   November 27th, 2008 11:41 am ET

10. Rudy Giuliani's campaign
9. Mitt Romney's campaign
8. Revered Wright tapes
7. Bill Clinton's speech in South Carolina
6. Rush Limbaugh's Operation Chaos
5. Senator Ted Stevens indictment
4. Pat B. and Bay B. still being allowed MSM air time
3. Hillary Clinton's West Virgina remark
2. Negative ads from McCain and Obama
1. Sarah Palin's interview

Honorable Mentions:

Media's obsession to make BO President, so that they can tear him down before he even takes office.

Media's obsession with thinking because they say so, it makes it so.

Media's obsession of trying to create drama between HRC and BO – despite the fact that she campaigned for him like no other surrogate.

Biggest surprises:

Michelle Obama comes into character.

George Bush's ability to facilitate a smooth transition

Bill Clinton's and Barack Obama joint gathering – star power!

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   November 27th, 2008 11:39 am ET

as the great philosopher bugs bunny used to say......"what a maroon"

1/20/13   November 27th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Turkey #1 should have been all the people that voted for Obama........"Hope" and "Change" ha ha ha nothing changing there

Gaurang   November 27th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Turkey # 1 – John McCain and Sarah Palin as a combination

andyeV   November 27th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Sarah Palin HAD to be on that list -
1) not knowing the Bush Doctrine - or very much else about domestic and foreigh policy.
2) Not being able to tell Katie Couric what newspapers/magazines she read.
3) "I'll get back to you" comment about McCain's policies
4) Telling Gwen Ifill she would answer questions in the debate, but not necessarily HER questions.
5) conducting an interview for a story about pardoning a turkey while animals were getting slaughtered in the background.
6) Telling a group of primary school students that the Vice President runs the Senate.
7) Lying about saying "no thanks" to the "Bridge to Nowhere" and her other prevarications.
8) Her "I can see Russia" from Alaska (or defending it if she didn't actually say it - I believe an aide did) comment.
9) Overstating over credentials as the commander of the Alaska National Guard as governor.
10) Trooper-gate, even though she was technically cleared.
11) Everything else I can't recall off the top of my head.

Oh, I forgot. It's the media's fault not hers.

George   November 27th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Nothing big beats big mouth angry headed spitzer and the coward john edwards.. two know it all tough guys trying to play the right side of the law when in the end they were both caugth with their pants down

Gobble Gobble   November 27th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Sure Mr. Scheneider, we turkeys are all "foolish-overstuffed, noisy, and self-important". That makes you a cross-species racist and a bigot to the extreme. When was the last time you tried to engage us in a civilized, intelligent dialog? Yeah, you can't recall either, do you?

MESA MICK   November 27th, 2008 11:27 am ET

My pick for the number 1 political turkey (and 2, and 3 thru 10):

Bush and his entire right-wing, neocon, fascist-like administration going back in 2000...

jerry   November 27th, 2008 11:22 am ET

#1 turkey of the year, THE NEW MEDIA and its bias love of OBAMA

Rorschach   November 27th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Sarah Palin – a GWB turkey clone in lipstick. Should have been #1.

DC from NJ   November 27th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Sarah Palin obviously should be #1, and it's not even close. My vote for second is all the people who voted for McSame, presumably to prolong the disaster of the past 8 years....

FL for Obama   November 27th, 2008 11:12 am ET

What? In my opinion the #1 TURKEY of 2008 was and still is Sarah Palin. The Katic Couric interview was just beginning...but the latest video of her at the turkey farm...well, that just steals the show (as she likes to do so often).

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!

chuck   November 27th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Rudy Giuliani is total GARBAGE.

CNN mod   November 27th, 2008 11:09 am ET

this list without SARAH PALIN loses its credibility.
She defines a political turkey.

Steve   November 27th, 2008 11:06 am ET

PUMA should be on this list.

Dixie AZ   November 27th, 2008 10:59 am ET

You forgot Joe Lieberman. A turkey, indeed.

ber6964   November 27th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Lee, I totally agree!!

morninmist   November 27th, 2008 10:56 am ET

The Obots are up to their usual Palin hate again I see.
Grow up and stop the hate. Obama is setting a good example but his fans continue to hate.

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA   November 27th, 2008 10:55 am ET

One can't think about political turkey's of 2008 without thinking of Hillary's sniper fire story....Just sayin

AB in ATL   November 27th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I totally agree with Reg from AZ
The number one stupid, dumb turkey is without a doubt Sara you betcha god darn it, i can see Russia from my backyard Palin.
The American people were turkeys for eight long years under Bush;
thank god they wised up and instead saw Sara Palin for who she is; a dumb broad (i mean turkey)

Beth   November 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Why wasn't Sarah Palin #1 on this list?? And 2-10 should have been ALL the dumb things she said and did while campaigning with McCain.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! :-)

landandair   November 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

One of the biggest crimes in history has occurred over the last eight years. It was carried out by a band /gaggle of goons. I look forward to thoughtful decision making. The 90's was not perfect, but there was a greater number of Americans working and doing better. The Bush White House gave us the greatest transfer of wealth. Shame on that gaggle of goons.

Diing in Washington   November 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Top 10 without Sara Palin? Are you joking?

elmo San Diego   November 27th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Where was Bush's name–oh never mind, he is a turkey ALL the time.

Ana   November 27th, 2008 10:48 am ET

How can "Barbie's" interview with Katie Couric along with all the stupidity that came out of her mouth not be number one on this list???????
This lady was/is an insult to anyone's intelligence.

Joe the Drummer   November 27th, 2008 10:45 am ET

I think the biggest turkey of 2008 was the private sector, Wall street, insurance and auto companies, The private sector demonstated that it is actually more incompetent than government. Cronyism, shortsightedness, greed, arrogance, treason, curruption, bribery, control of government, well I could go on forever, are the main tenets of private enterprise. Now they are all demanding socialism, unbelievable!

Stu-Florida   November 27th, 2008 10:42 am ET

I meant Giuliani as number 10...
Sarah Palin should be Number 1. She may the sacrificial lamb for the GOP of 2012, if they can't get their act together by then. This woman is an English language abuser... of course that come with the lack of common understanding, intellectual curiosity and integrity.
This turkey should get stuffed...

ct   November 27th, 2008 10:33 am ET

no rush the bigot limpy " Obama is not African American, he's an Arab"

no bush, no cheney what planet are you on?

Stu-Florida   November 27th, 2008 10:28 am ET

How deserving... his time is finally up!

REG in AZ   November 27th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Shouldn't forget Sarah. Sarah Palin is a real personification of what is wrong with a large segment of the Republican Party today. As she has clearly and repeatedly demonstrated she is arrogant and brazen, she is bold and aggressive, she is totally self-focused and grossly dishonest, she is a phony and a taker, she is sociopathic (without any conscience) and she will say/do whatever she thinks is to her advantage, and besides all of that she is vastly under qualified and just couldn’t care less. Those who tout, support and are trying to sell her to America literally want her to be their next puppet, to have her continue where GWBush left off.

Coherent1   November 27th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Turkey #1 should have been Bill Schneider.

Paul   November 27th, 2008 10:12 am ET

America is the biggest turkey with Obama and his gaggle of goons getting set to do some serious carving.

Lee   November 27th, 2008 10:04 am ET

The number one turkey of the year by far is McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate.

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